How to Treat a Fire Ant Sting

A fire ant sting starts out with a fire ant bite, which is followed up by the fire ant inserting its stinger over and over again. One of the worst parts of a fire ant sting is that people aren't often stung by only one fire ant; swarms of ants may bite and sting at the same time. Here's how to treat a fire ant sting.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Get away from the fire ant mound.

2. Clean the area of the bite and sting thoroughly with soap and water.

3. Elevate the area of the sting if possible, which will help reduce swelling. Otherwise, try icing the area: on for 10 minutes, off for 10 minutes.

4. Use a pain- or itch-relieving ointment to relieve the burning sensation.

5. Try an oral antihistimine if ointment doesn't help. If that doesn't help, seek medical attention.

6. Try not scratch or break the blister that develops over the bite. This is especially true when the blister develops into a white pustule; breaking the blister can lead to an infection and scarring.

Tips & Warnings

• Be on the lookout for a severe allergic reaction that includes swelling of the face or tightness in the throat; if one occurs, seek emergency medical attention.

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[handyken]

on 5/2/2009 They do bite. look at any web picture of a fire ant stinging. they bite first.

[elliebiscuits]

on 6/5/2008 Red imported fire ants do not bite. Bites are from mouth parts. Fire ants sting. When their mound is disturbed they will rush to the first vertical object encountered - often a human leg.